Mary Champion

Mary Evelyn (Page) Champion, age 98, of Terrell passed away Sunday, December 29, 2013 in Sunnyvale, Texas after a brief illness. Mary was born on July 20, 1915 in the Snap community near Carthage, Panola County, Texas. Mary was the second of four loving daughters of James Henry Page and Ida Clara (Dennard) Page. When she was six years old, the family moved to a farm in College Mound Community in Kaufman County. Shortly thereafter following the unexpected death of her father, her mother and the four young girls moved to the familys house on North Rockwall Avenue in Terrell. All of the "Page Girls" were raised there, and all were graduates of Terrell High School. Mary graduated from Terrell High School in 1933 and attended Draughon Business School in Dallas. She would meet and later marry Melvin Earl Champion on January 2, 1937 in Terrell, Texas. Two children were born to this union, Judy and James. Roberts and Champion Insurance Agency (later Champion-Cartwright Insurance) was founded by Matthew Roberts and Mary Page Champion in 1943 and operated for 58 years, serving many of the community's families and businesses during that time period. One of Terrell's first female business owners, Mary was active in the Pilot Club of Terrell and the Beta Sigma Theta Sorority, as well as other civic and charitable endeavors. Mary had a lifelong passion for gardening, nature and history and was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Terrell, and a member of the Advance Sunday School Class for many years. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, James and Ida Page; her husband Earl Champion and her three sisters, Frances, Maurine and Dorothy. Those left to celebrate her life include her daughter, Judy Champion; son James Champion; three grandchildren--Glen Ragan and his wife Lyn, James C. Champion and his wife Diana, Christopher P. Champion and his wife Mary Elizabeth Harris, nine great-grandchildren and extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins in the Dusablon, Howell, Riley, Hamilton, and Tomlin families, and friends and neighbors. The family wishes to express appreciation to next door neighbor Mary TwoShields for her compassionate assistance, to Susan Roberts and Maria Martinez for their help, and to Mary Wallace for her regular visits. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Goggans Funeral Home in Terrell. In accordance with Marys wishes, the family will celebrate her life with a small private ceremony. Interment will be at Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell beside her husband. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church of Terrell at 503 West College St, Terrell, TX 75160 or to the charity of your choice.